To provide an insight into the quality of software that is available, we have compiled a list of 42 high quality Linux audio applications, covering a broad range of different uses. Most of the titles included here are desktop applications sporting an attractive front-end, although we have not forgotten console software.

We intend to examine audio programming languages (both text and graphical based) in a future article, including the impressive Csound. We also will cover the commercial Linux audio scene in a later article. Software such as Transcribe! (transcribe recorded music), MuSing (rhythm maker), energyXT2 (music production) are likely to figure in that article.

It's worth mentioning that there are a number of Linux distributions that specialise in multimedia and digital content creation platforms. These include 64 Studio, DeMiDi, dyne:bolic and Ubuntu Studio. Besides packaging and configuring audio applications, these distros also typically feature a kernel that has been modified for intensive audio work, helping to reduce audio latency.

Now, let's explore the 42 audio applications at hand. For each title we have compiled its own portal page, providing a screenshot of the software in action, a full description with an in-depth analysis of its features, together with links to relevant resources and reviews.